Rise Champions of the Month

Placement Specialist Michelle Thompson has worked at Rise Lindstrom almost five years and her co-workers say she is an outstanding team player who is detailed, dedicated, and has an AMAZING work ethic. Michelle is enthusiastic and positive and taps into a multitude of community and employment resources to network for

DSP Jeanine Nordine has worked out of Rise Stillwater for the past eleven years and is known by her team mates for her dedication, will power, accountability, determination, integrity, compassion, and being person-centered driven.
Jeanine spent the COVID-19 furlough time assisting Industrial Services at Rise Spring Lake Park. When Rise

Employment Consultant Nathan Rouse works with people who have multiple barriers to employment and who have little success in the past, getting them excited to restart their job search. Nathan brings his energy and spirit to all aspects of his position and treats everyone with the kindness and respect they

Becca Hinckley is an occupational communication specialist (OCS) with Rise’s MEC program in Moorhead and works with people who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing. Her nominator says she has “consistently shown flexibility and creativity in her work. She is highly adaptable to changing situations and resourceful in finding

Case Manager Katie Chambers is “a consummate professional and makes every effort to ensure that people served at Rise Coon Rapids and their teams feel heard and respected.
Katie is always willing to help with any needs that arise. She is a team player and a wonderful co-worker.”
Katie has

With a background in corporate career coaching and development, Jennifer Johnson has a knack for assisting others with navigating and advancing their careers. Working as an employment consultant at Rise since April 2018, she supports 20 people with disabilities achieve their career goals.
Her Rise team members appreciate her upbeat

Laura Burke’s co-workers say that “she doesn’t just help people find jobs, but long-term success!”
It was also noted that, “Laura is inspiring to work alongside! She is talented, compassionate, and effective. Laura seamlessly integrates Person Centered Thinking and motivational interviewing techniques into her work, to the benefit of her

Darla Olson was recognized by her co-workers for being flexible and willing to go beyond her job responsibilities to ensure people are served well.
“With Darla’s great mindset, she is clever with coming up with ideas on how to build production fixtures so that people can do a job in

Employment Consultant Tina Stringer is a valued member of the Rise Lindstrom team. Her co-workers say she is an innovative and creative problem-solver as well as a tireless, trusted advocate for the people they serve.
Tina has assisted several people find and keep suitable employment in the ten months she

Considered an integral member and true asset of the team, her co-workers say Employment Consultant Jen Wiza has “brought new energy” to the Hennepin Health grant that she works on. She consistently goes above and beyond to support the people on her caseload to meet their needs. Their team outcomes